In Les Taillades

It starts at the end of the path

Before we go any further, a quick word about what we can see here. In Les Taillades, the Saint-Pierre Mill was built in 1859. It was originally a madder mill — the root from which the red dye for the French army’s trousers was extracted, and which made the Vaucluse’s fortune in the 19th^e century — before becoming a flour mill.

Its wheel counts 24 blades, making it one of the largest water mills in the Vaucluse. It is not the River Sorgue that powers it, but the Carpentras Canal, which runs through the town and offers some very pretty walking paths leading towards the Badarel Gorges.

The Friday market

On Friday evenings, the mill hosts its market: local producers and craftspeople set up their stalls in Place Saint-Pierre au Moulin, from 5 pm to 8 pm, from April to the end of October. Cheese, vegetables, bread, wine from the valley: it’s the best place to stock up during your stay, and it’s within walking distance of the holiday cottages.

A favourite tourist spot

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the town of seventy wheels

To the south of the town, along the Moulin Vert Canal, the Gautier Castle is a town house built in 1885 on a square plan, set in the middle of a park that bears its name. Pierre Gautier, who stayed there, bequeathed it to the town.

The water of the Sorgue provided the driving force for all the town’s craft industries: as early as the 12th^e In the [century], mills are mentioned in historical records; in the following century, the cloth-making industry emerged; then came paper mills, silk mills and dye works. The town once had as many as seventy wheels along its canals. Today, there are still around fifteen of them, covered in moss, which continue to turn as the current flows.

In other words: this city functioned for seven centuries on a 100 % renewable industry. It took us a while to get back to that.

A favourite tourist spot

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

We continue upwards and reach the end: the chasm. The source of the Sorgue is the largest resurgence in Europe and the fifth largest in the world. It drains an underground catchment area stretching from the south of Mont Ventoux to the Vaucluse mountains and the Montagne de Lure: all the rain that falls across this region resurfaces here, at the foot of a cliff over 240 metres high.

Why come now?

Spectacular floods occur in the spring and In autumn, the chasm can spout up to 90 cubic metres per second. In the height of summer, the pool is often calm and the water flows out from below. A word of advice: ring the tourist office the day before to find out what the water level is like – it’s well worth a visit.

The village owes its name to its geographical location: Vallis Clausa, the enclosed valley that gave rise to Vaucluse — the only department in France to owe its name to a geological feature. Petrarch wrote part of his work there, and Boccaccio, Chateaubriand, Mistral and René Char followed in his footsteps.

The Great History of the Number

A hundred years to hit rock bottom

This chasm has posed a challenge to mankind for over a century. We knew where the water was coming out; nobody knew where it was coming from. So we went down to have a look.

• 1878 Nello Ottonelli, a diver, descended to –23 m. The first serious attempt.
• 1938 The diver Négri reached a depth of –28 m.
• 1946 Cousteau and Dumas descended to –46 metres using the scuba gear they had just invented. The air in their cylinders had gone off: they resurfaced on the verge of fainting.
• 1967 Albert Falco reached –90 m; that same year, the remote-controlled craft Internet user reaches a depth of –106 m.
• 1981-83 Jochen Hasenmayer, on a free dive, descended to –143 m and then to –205 m.
• 2 August 1985 Endgame: the robot Modexa It was discovered after three hours of exploration on a sandy seabed, at a depth of –315 m.

When you’re standing at the edge of the basin, just imagine that beneath your feet lies a vertical shaft as tall as the Eiffel Tower, and that it took one hundred and seven years and a good ten expeditions to reach the bottom.

At our place

The move from the shops to the Bel-Air holiday cottages

Since we’re talking about things you don’t see at first glance: here too, you have to look up. The shops painted on our walls are full of detail. There’s a real art to «disguising» an unsightly patch of plaster with a swallow’s nest. The shop owners’ names were chosen around a table, following debates worthy of Pagnol’s dialogue: not to name names, Serge, Pierre and Jean-Claude.

Leather straps have been attached to the wall, and cans of solexine and petrol have been placed on the floor in the foreground to add depth to the trompe-l’œil. Five years on, the petrol pump, the shop selling new and second-hand tyres, and the «Gilbert Piston» motorbike shop haven’t aged a bit.

The source in figures

• Annual flow rate 630–700 million cubic metres
• Underground reservoir 1,240 km²
• Temperature 12.5–13 °C
• Autumn floods 90 m³/s
• Cliff 240 m
• Target reached –315 m

The circuit, in practice

• Itinerary No. 3 Vélo Loisir Provence
• Distance 43.9 km
• Elevation gain 345 m
• Duration 3 hours 40 minutes

Entirely on tarmac, via Cavaillon, Les Taillades, Robion and Lagnes. Download the app Geovelo and make sure you have a power bank: the GPS uses a lot of power.

The late-season fixture list

• 19 and 20 September European Heritage Days — 43^e a publication on the theme of photographic heritage, to mark the bicentenary of Nicéphore Niépce’s invention.
• 16–18 October Vignobles en Scène: grape harvests, wine tastings and workshops at the Luberon vineyards.
• Every Friday, 5 pm – 8 pm Les Taillades farmers’ market, Place Saint-Pierre au Moulin until the end of October, then Place de la Mairie.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°54 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

💧 Water and Lake Serre-Ponçon

Serre-Ponçon Lake was created artificially in the 1960s. Its dam regulates the lake’s water level between winter and summer, so it has a tidal range of several metres. The rise and fall in water level take a long time (several weeks), so there’s no risk of finding your bath towel underwater within a few hours. Furthermore, in summer the lake level varies between its maximum (780 NGF) and -5 metres (775 NGF), making all water sports possible and offering picture-postcard scenery.

The lake’s tributaries supply water that is particularly rich in minerals and sediment, giving Serre-Ponçon its striking, characteristic ‘South Seas’ hue.

Serre-Ponçon Lake is the largest man-made lake in mainland France, one of the most major earth-fill dams in Europe covering more than 2,800 hectares

🚴🏻‍♂️ How can you combine art and cycling?

Starting from the Bel-Air holiday cottages as always, you’ll need to set aside the whole day; either order a packed lunch or plan to eat at a restaurant there – that’s the logistics sorted.

Cycle along the road to the former Bonnieux railway station, which is set to become a temple to African art. Indeed, after 20 years in the Apt industrial estate near the Blachère company, the foundation of the same name is moving its art centre on 30 June.

Between the purchase of the premises and the building work, the foundation will have spent no less than 3 million euros.

For the record, it was from Pierre Cardin that the foundation bought the former Bonnieux railway station, where his final fashion show was held.

A favourite tourist spot

Goult

Make the most of your visit to the Blachère Foundation to enjoy a picnic near the site or head up to the village of Goult in search of a restaurant.

Afternoon tour on Jerusalem Mill to enjoy the setting and the panoramic view.

Listed in 1805, this mill – known as the «Jerusalem Mill» – remained in operation until the end of the 19th century. In 1947, the ruins of the building were acquired by the National Geographic Institute (IGN) to be turned into an astronomy education centre.

The mill was handed over to the municipality of Goult, which undertook its restoration.

You can make the most of your visit by exploring the Terrace Conservatory

A 15-minute walk from the Jerusalem mill lies an exceptional restored landscape site, a testament to architectural and agricultural heritage.

To get there, head along the Chemin de la Carredone. As soon as you enter the site, you’ll notice that the terraces – known in Provençal as «restanques» or «bancau» – form a natural amphitheatre, sheltered from the mistral and severe frosts thanks to their south-facing aspect.

Their produce supplemented that from the cultivated land on the plain, which was more fertile but prone to flooding.
This site is a fine example of the skilful use of dry stone: rabbit hutches, bories, low walls, cantilevered staircases, cisterns, beehive shelters…

And to round off the day, on your way back you’ll visit the the Ubac dolmen

The Ubac Dolmen: this is actually a reconstruction of the original dolmen, situated 500 metres upstream from the original site, to protect it from the Calavon’s floodwaters, and to allow visitors to reach the Bel-Air holiday cottages via the cycle route and enjoy their comfort and leisure facilities.

🌾 Walks in Oppède

Hiking in the Luberon is a unique experience that offers many delights: an immersion in the heart of nature, discovering the Luberon’s varied landscapes, oak forests and steep cliffs. You can also admire the panoramic views of the Monts de Vaucluse.

🥾 Five walking trails to explore in Oppède

Whether on foot or by bike, the natural surroundings of’Oppède offers some lovely opportunities for walks.

There are several signposted trails, dotted with information and themed signs, inviting you to explore the Oppède countryside.

The botanical trail

Set amongst the Terrasses Sainte Cécile, situated between the Oppède-le-Vieux car park and the village, this botanical trail offers visitors a «poetic» interlude before they set off to explore our heritage site and its ancient stones. You’ll meander amongst local and Mediterranean species, discovering or rediscovering endemic plants such as the cherry tree, hackberry, almond tree, arbutus and dogwood. You’ll refresh or expand your knowledge of botany: what is the ‘wig tree’ or the ‘Tree of Judas’, and what is the difference between crown vetch, santolina and valerian?

Finally, you’ll reach the threshing floor at Sainte Cécile, where the view of the village is so beautiful and photogenic: the castle and church overlook the ruins of the old village, which stretch above the houses, along the ramparts.

The Olive Trail

This new trail will take you through the terraced fields covered in olive trees in the commune of Oppède. The olive tree, a source of pride for Provence, will be introduced to you so that you can learn more about the age-old tradition of olive cultivation, its varieties, its mills and its produce.

Duration of the walk: 30 mins
Distance: 2.2 km
Difficulty: easy
Colour: light green

The Ribas Trail

The Ribas trail takes you out of Old Oppède and along the Luberon massif towards the east, passing through the renowned rock-climbing site of Brécugne, before heading towards the back of the Oppède quarries. It is a walk that takes place mainly under the canopy of the woods and in the shade of the local trees.

Duration of the walk: 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 5.5 km
Level: moderate
Colour code: lavender blue

The trail of water, fountains and wash houses

Water, the source of life, has always been a major part of our daily lives. In Oppède, as in other villages, we can admire the efforts made by people to make water more accessible and bring it closer to their homes. The walk through the Oppède countryside that we suggest will allow you to discover the heritage linked to the use of water: fountains, wash houses and windmills. Numerous water channels – tunnels dug and built into the hills – channelled runoff water to homes, washhouses or fields.

Duration of the walk: 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 8 km
Difficulty: easy
Colour coding: blue

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°53 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

🌿 First stop: Coustellet and the blue gold of Provence

Just a few kilometres away, the village of Coustellet reveals an emblematic facet of the region: lavender. A visit to the Lavender Museum takes a fascinating look at the history of this plant, which has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties and enchanting fragrance.
Here you can discover the ancestral skills of the distillers, handed down from generation to generation, and the importance of lavender to the economy of Provence from the Middle Ages onwards.

🍽️ Gourmet break: a stopover with flavours from around the world

At lunchtime, it's off to Les Halles de Coustellet.

Here, Provence opens up to the world with a resolutely friendly, modern approach: six chefs, six culinary worlds, and just one rule... enjoy yourself.

Perfumed Thai cuisine, sunny Lebanese specialities, gourmet burgers with a twist, gourmet crepes, tapas to share... each counter tells a different story, in a spirit that combines the freedom of the food court with the authenticity of local produce.

You can make up your own meal, share, taste and discover. A real gourmet interlude, ideal for recharging your batteries before setting off again by bike through the Luberon countryside.

🏰 In the afternoon, head for villages steeped in history

🏞️ Oppède-le-Vieux: medieval memory and forgotten refuge

As you leave the plain, the relief becomes more pronounced and leads to the Oppède-le-Vieux, a true testament to the Middle Ages.
This hilltop village, partially abandoned in the 19th century, has been reborn as a timeless place. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and the remains of its castle tell the story of a time when the inhabitants were entrenched to protect themselves from invasion.
During the Second World War, Oppède-le-Vieux even became a refuge for artists and intellectuals, adding another layer to its already rich history.

🌾 Robion: between an agricultural plain and a protective cliff

The descent then leads to Robion, A village with a dual identity.
On one side, a fertile plain shaped by agriculture since ancient times; on the other, an old village clinging to the side of the Luberon. In the past, this strategic position enabled the village to keep an eye on the valley and control the passageways.
Robion still retains traces of this medieval organisation, with its calades and old buildings.

⛰️ Les Taillades: the heritage of stone

Last stop at Les Taillades, Its name directly evokes its history: that of stone quarries.
From the Middle Ages onwards, and especially from the Renaissance onwards, local quarries provided the materials for many of the region's buildings. The indented cliffs visible today bear witness to this industrial past.
The old village, dominated by the remains of a castle and a mill, offers exceptional views over the Calavon valley.

🌅 Back to the gîtes: the art of Provençal living

After a day packed with discoveries and emotions, it's a gentle ride back to the gîtes, still buoyed by the calm of the cycle route and the golden light that envelops the Luberon at the end of the day.

This is where time seems to slow down.

Once you've put your bikes down, it's time for the simple pleasures that make a stay in Provence so charming: a lively game of boules on the pitch, where the laughter is as loud as the clash of the balls on the gravel... a game of table football or table tennis in the shade of the trees...

And of course, the moment you've all been waiting for: the swimming pool.
A refreshing dip, a few lengths or simply the pleasure of floating after your effort, lulled by the song of the cicadas.

The day ends as it began: in complete freedom.
Between conviviality, relaxation and the gentle way of life, these shared moments extend the experience of the Luberon... in a different way.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°52 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

Advice section

Don't forget: fully inflated tyres, helmets, first aid kit, bike repair kit, water bottles and a few millilitres of sun cream on sunny days.

PRESENTATION OF THE CYCLE ROUTE

La Calavon cycle route is a cycle route in the French department of Vaucluse. It is 45 km long and uses the former railway line between Cavaillon and Volx. It takes its name from the Calavon river, also known as the Coulon. It has been developed in successive sections since 2005 by the Vaucluse Departmental Council, in partnership with the Luberon Regional Nature Park.

Technical specifications:

• Length and route : 45 km from Robion to Castellet (D 48), Calavon valley, largely on the former railway line (Cavaillon - Apt - Volx), easy profile.
• Surfacing and accessibility : Gravel plaster Mostly suitable for city pushchairs; ; non-greenway sections approx. 2 km from Le Chêne, ~500 m from Beaumettes and Coustellet, ~500 m from Apt (avenue des Genêts).
• Points of interest Pont Julien, several viaducts and views of the slopes of the Luberon and hilltop villages, towns crossed : Cavaillon, Apt, Coustellet, Cabrières-d'Avignon, Maubec, Robion.
• Activities and services : running, marche, VTC, MOUNTAIN BIKE, numerous restaurants and tourist attractions, local network of bicycle services with Accueil Vélo charter (repairs, accommodation).
• Duration and conditions : about 3 hours continuously (to be adjusted according to stops); max altitude ≈ 299 m, accessible all seasons.
• Resources and planning leaflet available to help you organise your stay, downloads (maps and files) and Euro Vélo 8 reference for wider planning.
• European network is part of’Euro Vélo 8 (The Mediterranean by bike), a local stage of the major route linking Spain to Cyprus.

STAGE LOCATIONS OR TOWNS

COUSTELLET

Restaurants, bars and food shops have sprung up, making Coustellet a great place to stop. On Sunday mornings, 80 producers share the tastes and colours of the Vaucluse. Fruit, vegetables, cheese and local produce.

ROUSSILLON

Roussillon, its village and its Ochre Trail. It's a real Western setting, with its incredible fairy chimneys and totem poles carved out of rock created by the erosion of different materials. And don't forget the Okhra eco-museum, with its fun and educational activities. Of course, you'll have to travel about 8 km from the cycle route. An unusual landscape that's well worth the diversions.

GOULT-LUMIÈRES STATION

Goult-Lumières station tells the story of the railway heritage that can be discovered along the way. After all, this greenway was built on the former Cavaillon-Apt-Volx line. From the end of the 19th century, it contributed to the development of the economy of the Pays d'Apt by enabling ochre and market garden produce to be transported. There are six other stations along the 45-kilometre route: Robion, Coustellet, Les Beaumettes, Bonnieux, Apt and Saignon-Caseneuve.

Practical information: the station is on the cycle route.

THE DOLMEN AT GOULT

Less than a kilometre after Goult-Lumières station, signs tell the fabulous story of the Ubac dolmen. Unearthed in 1994 during a violent flood of the Calavon, this prehistoric vestige dating from the Neolithic period has been patiently reconstructed stone by stone just 500 metres from where it was discovered. This is how the dolmen, a necropolis 14 metres in diameter, came to be on the cycle route.

Practical information: The route passes close to the Dolmen

LE PONT JULIEN

This 80-metre Roman structure dates back to 3 BC and is the must-see spot on the cycle route, the Holy Grail between Bonnieux and Apt, which in itself would motivate many a ride along this route. A picnic on the banks with a view of the Pont Julien overlooking the Calavon is a real treat. And as you head back towards Apt, a belvedere has even been built to include the bridge in the panorama of the valley, from which you can see the ochre of Roussillon in the distance.

APT

Arriving in Apt via the greenway certainly offers a fresh perspective on the historic capital of the Luberon. The cycle route, which runs through the town from one end to the other, offers a unique view over the rooftops of the old town centre, the statue and the dome crowned with a golden Virgin of St Anne’s Cathedral. It’s quite a sight! Several routes, signposted with burgundy signs (Viaduc, La Cucuronne, Faubourg du Ballet, etc.), allow you to cycle around and explore the town’s different neighbourhoods. Among the must-see attractions are the candied fruit workshops and the earthenware potteries – two of Apt’s specialities. Not to mention, on Saturday mornings, a chance to immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful markets in the Vaucluse.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°51 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

A favourite tourist spot

CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE

Situated between the towns of Avignon and Orange, Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies at the very heart of a region steeped in history, culture and the art of living
At the top are the remains - a wall, a tower and the lower hall - of the château built by the popes in the 14th century as a summer residence to escape the summer heat of Avignon. In fact, it was the popes who first planted vines in the commune. The château was ransacked and partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion. The Germans delivered the final blow in 1944.
Accessible on foot via the steps leading up to the top of the village or, more easily, by car, the ruins offer views of the Dentelles de Montmirail, Mont Ventoux, the Rhône and even Avignon and its Palais des Papes.

If you leave your car in one of the free car parks, you can visit the village on foot. Stroll along the narrow, winding streets past medieval houses, the communal oven, the olive press and the town hall with its round tower. There is also the picturesque grocer's shop, still frequented by the villagers. The Place de la Fontaine with its café terraces and restaurants invites you to take a break.

Special features

Rue de l'Eglise or «Rompe cul» street «Facing you, steep and craggy, is Rue de l'Eglise, a street that has not always carried this name. The village elders still call it rue »Rompe Cul«, from the Provençal »Roumpo qiéu«, which means »ass-breaker", and although it's difficult to climb, be even more wary on the way down! It is said in Châteauneuf-du-Pape that there have been so many falls over the centuries that you can still hear the screams and swear words of the victims on this street. So if you're reading this, be warned!

Eating out

Designed as a place to share and relax around truffles and wine, TERRAE Truffles and Wine offers two distinct atmospheres: the «Bar Area», which extends onto the terrace and serves light meals at lunchtime and cocktails in the evening, and the Restaurant, where you can enjoy simple yet refined cuisine featuring seasonal truffles. Our deliberately natural setting, both rustic and lush with greenery, is situated in the lower part of the iconic village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Our entire team looks forward to welcoming you… for a little break from the daily grind, combining culinary delights with a warm, friendly atmosphere centred around truffles and wine!

Drinks and delicacies

I've deliberately left out the vineyards and cellars of Châteauneuf du Pape because their reputation has spread beyond our borders and is known the world over.

ÉTABLISSEMENT BLACHERE

I'm the oldest distillery in Provence. But I'm more than just walls and machines. My heart beats to the rhythm of the people who run me. V.L Blachère, my founder, and his son, Auguste Blachère, set me up in 1835 at 14 rue Molière, right in the heart of Avignon. I often get away from it all and let myself be carried away by the powerful perfume that blows in from the heights of Mont Ventoux.

In 1960, I launched «PAC Citron», a sugar and lemon-based syrup with no artificial colourings. It was a huge success throughout the region, and from then on it became my flagship product. The recognition is there: PAC Citron has become an iconic drink of Provence. Almost 60 years later, PAC Citron is still produced in the VAUCLUSE by the SARL A. BLACHERE. In Provence, it is said that: «People who have never tasted PAC Citron are not true Provençals»

CASTELIN FACTORY

Located at the same place on the road to Sorgues, you will enjoy tasting the CASTELIN chocolate factory. Bernard Castelain founded the Chocolaterie in 1994, in the heart of the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards in the Vaucluse. He made his first chocolate, Palet des Papes, with the aim of finding the perfect balance between dark chocolate and Marc de Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and creating a great chocolate for a great vineyard.

Committed to the quality of our products, we make top-of-the-range chocolates every day, selecting quality raw materials and adding the traditional know-how that is a credit to French gastronomy. Our positioning hasn't changed since the company was founded, and we're still committed to offering quality products at fair prices!

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°50 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

360° AND PHOTO

As a continuation of the 360° project developed above, Cyrille DONNADIEU has selected some photos for me from the footage used to create it. They are of excellent quality and give a wide angle view of the room in question. Here is an example of the kitchen in the Gite Rouge.

FOR LOVERS OF MONT VENTOUX

Le Mont Ventoux has put on its finest winter clothes. The first snowflakes have fallen, and there was up to three centimetres of snow from Chalet Reynard (at an altitude of 1,400 metres). The road has been closed from Mont Serein whilst the snow is being cleared. The departmental services and snow-clearing vehicles have been at work since this morning to make the road passable.
You can visit the Mont Serein Ski Resort website for real-time information.

SAINT RÉMY DE PROVENCE CELEBRATES THE LIGHT

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence will celebrate the light in its own way on 7 December 2024. The event has been renamed «La Fête des commerçants»
Shopkeepers in the old town centre are organising a big night out in all the decoration, gift and fashion boutiques, artists' and designers' studios and art galleries, all of which are open late into the evening.
Jazz or classical orchestras liven up the shops, where they offer mulled wine, a glass of champagne or a hot vegetable soup to customers and strollers alike.

This is also the evening when all the Christmas lights in Saint Rémy are switched on at the same time.
The Festival of Lights begins at around 6.00 pm on Saturday 7 December 2024 and continues late into the evening. Most of the shops and art galleries in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence are open every Sunday in the run-up to Christmas.
If the festival of light is symbolised by the candles that will light up the village, aperitifs, mulled wine and a host of delicacies will be on offer in a convivial atmosphere.

THE GLANUM ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Before Saint-Rémy-de-Provence was founded, the oppidum of Glanum guarded the foothills of the Alpilles. Discover this ancient Gaulish city, which became Roman, built around a sacred spring and bathed in multiple cultural influences.

Here are the main pages from the beginning to the present day:
- A spring dedicated to the God GLAN.
- A Gallic city under Greek influence.
- Glanum under Roman influence
- From its abandonment to its rediscovery in 1921.

For more information, please visit the website: Glanum archaeological site (National Monuments Centre).
A website that has enabled me to put together this feature and inspire you to visit our beautiful Provence.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°49 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

A favourite tourist spot

THE SIX MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES

‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ tells the story of an encounter, in 1981, between a man and a book. The book was the eponymous album published by Reader’s Digest Selection; the man was Charles Ceyrac, Mayor of Collonges-la-Rouge. The elected representative from Corrèze saw in this book a way to champion a cause close to his heart: to unite forces and passions to protect and promote the remarkable heritage of these exceptional villages, thereby offering them an alternative to rural depopulation. Sixty-six mayors went on to follow Charles Ceyrac in this venture, which was officially launched on 6 March 1982 in Salers (Cantal).
Today, the network comprises 178 villages spread across 14 regions and 70 departments. The aim is to avoid the pitfalls of soulless «museum villages» or, conversely, those of ‘theme parks’, and to help these villages embrace the future.

The Luberon is also home to five villages that have been awarded the “Most Beautiful Village in France” label: Ansouis, Gordes, Lourmarin, Ménerbes and Roussillon. The Alpilles have one such village: Les Baux-de-Provence.

BEL-AIR HOLIDAY COTTAGES: GOLF COURSES NEAR THE COTTAGES.

Within a 25 km radius, our golfing friends will be spoilt for choice.
We have selected the golf courses around the Gîte de Bel-Air from among many others. Between the Alpilles and the Luberon, you'll have a complete change of scene.

Pont Royal Golf Club - 20km
Domaine de Pont Royal, Mallemort
Golf and Country Club

Golf de Servanes - 20km
Route de servanes, Mouriès
Golf and Country Club

Provence Country Club Golf De Saumane - 11km
1141 route de fontaine de Vaucluse
Golf and Country Club

Barbentane Golf Club - 23km
Quartier le Grand roumette
Golf and Country Club Sports Centre

Domaine de Manville Golf Club - 22km
Domaine de Manville
Les Baux-de-Provence
Golf and Country Club

Golf grand avignon - 19km
Ch de la Banastiere, Vedène
Golf and Country Club

THE BEST OF 2024 FROM THE GÎTES DE BEL-AIR

Camargue Regional Nature Park
A territory and a public body. Located on the Mediterranean coast, inside the Rhône delta, mainly between the two arms of the river. It covers 3 communes: part of the communes of Arles and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and the entire commune of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
The Camargue Regional Nature Park is a rural, open and inhabited area with a delicate balance, recognised for its exceptional quality, where nature conservation and the development of human activities must go hand in hand.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°48 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES

The expedition set off from the Bel-Air gîtes and reached L'Isle sur la Sorgue by road bike. We couldn't pass up the chance to have a picnic on the banks of the Sorgue, particularly at the "partages des eaux".
This is a must-do tour with a choice of two extensions, route 10 or route 36, as part of your holiday, with your own bikes or our hire bikes.
Jean-Claude will be able to advise you on the best way to organise the day, from choosing bikes and restaurants to simply asking our regular bakers to make you a picnic.

A favourite tourist spot

ISLE SUR LA SORGUE

Every year (this year on 3 August) on the Caisse d'Épargne lake, come and watch the unique floating market at L'Isle sur la Sorgue. Aboard the «Nègo Chin», merchants dressed in their finest traditional garb glide from one bank to the other at the call of the public. They offer a farandole of colours and scents: fruit and vegetables, bouquets of flowers, cheese, wine, bread...
At around 1pm, when the floating market comes to an end, the traders gather in a line and sing the famous «Coupo Santo» celebrating Provence.
What is the Nego Chin? It's the traditional flat-bottomed boat used by the fishermen of the Sorgue; Nego Chin can be translated as ‘drowning dog». You need a lot of skill to manoeuvre them, which is why these races are so impressive!

Thursday 15 August
10.30am: Adult relay race
Departure Frédéric Mistral

Saturday 17 August
6pm: Mixed race

Sunday 25 August
10am: Children's race
Departure / Arrival at the Caisse d'épargne
11am: Adult races
Start / Finish at the Bassin (2 laps)

Where can I park?
Make sure you use the car parks on the outskirts of the city! Parking Grand Sud, Parking Muscadelle and Parking Palerme. It takes around 15 minutes to walk to the city centre.

THE BEST OF 2024 FROM THE GÎTES DE BEL-AIR

The Bel-Air gîtes enjoy an exceptional location. Located in the commune of TAILLADES, a small village of 2,000 inhabitants, it is 3 km from exit 25 of the A7 motorway. It is at the epicentre of 3 Regional Nature Parks.

THE LUBERON REGIONAL NATURE PARK

It covers 185,000 hectares, spread over 78 communes: 52 communes in Vaucluse and 26 communes in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

MONT VENTOUX REGIONAL NATURE PARK

37 municipalities and 5 intercommunal bodies whose territory is wholly or partly included in the Park:

- Ventoux Comtat Venaissin conurbation community
- Vaison Ventoux Community of Communes
- Community of communes Ventoux Sud
- Greater Avignon Conurbation Community
- Community of communes of Sorgues du Comtat

THE ALPILLES REGIONAL NATURE PARK

Located in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, it is one of the most beautiful areas in France. This region comprises the Alpilles limestone massif, as well as the 16 municipalities that border it, including the charming town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and the village of Les Baux-de-Provence.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°47 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

BEL-AIR HOLIDAY COTTAGES – THE TROMPE L’ŒIL

So the drawings had to be mixed with depth and real utensils to give perspective.
The latest decoration is a revisited game of pétanque with Maître Panisse, Escartefique, César and Monsieur Brun, who falls off his chair while reading the news in LE MIDI.
It's hard to tell what's real and what's not, but that's exactly what you'll feel when you visit this village, which is unique in the region and on the Calavon cycle route.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to discover the 15 frescoes or visit our website.

A favourite tourist spot

ST RÉMY DE PROVENCE

An ancient city on the outskirts of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Over a century of archaeological research at the Glanum site has brought to light evidence of an exceptional architectural complex. The local elite knew how to make the most of the natural resources – the perennial spring and the limestone – to adorn the city with a monumental setting unique in Provence.
Situated in the heart of the Alpilles massif, at the crossroads of major traffic routes, this Gallic city was bathed in Greek and then Roman influences and experienced its full development from the 2nd century BC onwards.
From the viewpoints, enjoy an exceptional panorama of the site before coming to enjoy the pleasures of its sacred spring.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is the ideal starting point for long walks or mountain bike rides; lovers of the great outdoors and sport will find real treasures here. From Roman ruins to contemporary culture, this Provençal village will take you on a journey through time.

THE BEST DEAL OF 2024 – THE QUARRIES OF LES LUMIÈRES IN LES BAUX-DE-PROVENCE

From 19 April 2024, the Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence will be presenting two new immersive exhibitions: «Egypt of the Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II » Step back in time and rediscover the Egypt of the pharaohs through the masterpieces of this mythical civilisation, which spanned three millennia and has captivated generations, and «The Orientalists. Ingres, Delacroix, Gérôme».

DATES AND TIMES
November, December and January
Every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
April, May, June, September and October
Every day from 9.30 am to 7 pm.
July and August
Every day from 9.00 am to 7.30 pm. • Private stall (retail): Forecourt of the Maison de Pays – Tourist Office from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm.

VAN GOGH – A JOURNEY THROUGH VAN GOGH’S WORLD

A free walk, lasting around an hour, takes you through the landscapes that inspired Vincent van Gogh. Punctuated by 19 reproductions of works painted in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, this one-and-a-half kilometre trail takes you into the world of the artist. Signs guide your steps.
To enhance your discovery, you can download the Van Gogh Natures application: a multimedia guide that allows you to rediscover the painter's vision by putting each work back into its original context. This approach gives you the opportunity to put the artist's landscapes into dialogue with today's territories, revealing their sensitive dimensions.
Vincent van Gogh arrived in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on 8 May 1889 following a severe breakdown during which he cut off the lobe of his ear. Having travelled from Arles, he voluntarily admitted himself to the Saint-Paul de Mausole hospital. Vincent van Gogh stayed there for a whole year, until May 1890.
It was in his small hospital room that he experienced his most productive period, a major period in his life as an artist. He produced almost 150 paintings and numerous drawings, including «La Nuit Étoilée», «Les amandiers en fleurs» and «Les Iris».

The Van Gogh route
A self-guided walking tour lasting around an hour, through the landscapes that inspired Vincent van Gogh, takes you into the artist’s world. Signposts will guide you from the historic centre – starting at the Estrine Museum – to the Cloître Saint-Paul de Mausole, a route marked by 19 reproductions of his most iconic paintings.
If you're a fan of the artist, you can hire an audio guide, available in French or English, from the reception desk at the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Intercommunal Tourist Office, retracing the stories and anecdotes of Vincent van Gogh in Saint-Rémy.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°46 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.

THE ORIGIN OF APRIL FOOL’S DAY

In 16th-century France, the change to the calendar went unnoticed by many, not to mention those who refused to accept it. Everyone continued to celebrate the New Year as before. They therefore continued to exchange gifts and New Year’s presents on 1 April. So, to make fun of them, pranksters came up with the idea of giving them rather special presents: fake presents, just for a laugh… It is since that time that 1 April has become the day for pranks and hoaxes.

CHANGES TO PUBLICATIONS

THE ICE SAINTS

Despite the centuries, the saying about the Ice Saints still applies. With the arrival of spring, it's not unusual for frosts to damage the vineyards.
All those who work the land know that it is wiser to wait until the period between the feasts of the apostles Mamet (Estelle), Pancrace (Achille) and Servais (Rolande), on 11, 12 and 13 May, has passed before planting.
Wine-growers and fruit-growers also fear the first horsemen or knights of the cold on 23, 25, 29 April and 1 May for Saints George, Mark, Robert and Philip.
These white frosts are common and it is not uncommon to see them as late as mid-May. As the transition between winter and summer, spring is always a period of great meteorological instability.

A favourite tourist spot

CYCLING ROUTE: MAUBEC, MÉNERBES, LACOSTE, BONNIEUX

MAUBEC

But if Maubec is so much in tune with the times, it owes it to its long past and its natural and monumental heritage, which is being promoted by volunteers and institutions to the delight of all.
The earliest recorded evidence of human settlement dates back to the late Neolithic period:
Mr A Dumoulin noted the presence of a burial site in the Maillet cave, on the edge of the Luberon, where he discovered a vase, copper ornaments and shells. Closer to home, two cremation tombs from the Gallo-Roman period were discovered along the old road from Maubec to Robion.
The current RD 900 (formerly the N100) closely follows the route of the ancient Via Domitia, which linked Italy to Spain.

MÉNERBES

Ménerbes, a village listed amongst the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Situated at the foot of the Petit Luberon on a rocky outcrop, Ménerbes overlooks the Calavon plain with its vineyards and cherry trees, which offer a veritable spectacle of colour with each changing season. To the north, the view stretches as far as the Vaucluse mountains and Mont Ventoux, also known as the Giant of Provence. This village has preserved numerous reminders of its rich historical past.
Many artists, writers and musicians, such as Nicolas de Staël, Dora Maar and François Nourrisier, have made Ménerbes their home, all drawn by the beauty of its landscapes, the tranquillity of its narrow streets and the friendliness of its residents.

BONNIEUX

A village with a rich past
Founded in the Gallo-Roman period, Bonnieux is a fortified village that has preserved many vestiges of its past. The village boasts a rich architectural and historical heritage, featuring monuments such as the 12th-century Old Church, the Hôtel de Rouville – a former mansion built in the 16th century – and the Pont Julien, a Roman bridge spanning the Calavon.
Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Luberon region in Provence, the village of Bonnieux is one of the hidden gems of the south of France. Perched on a hilltop and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, Bonnieux is a must-visit destination for lovers of history, nature, fine food and crafts.

LACOSTE

Lacoste, the village of the arts. Overlooking the Luberon plain, the village of Lacoste offers breathtaking views from the Luberon to Mont Ventoux. As you wander through its steep, winding streets, you'll discover the authentic charm of Provence's hilltop villages. Here, almost nothing has changed, with no shops or restaurants stealing the limelight from the stone houses and medieval heritage.
Lacoste is a village steeped in history that has been inspiring many local and international artists for decades. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a prestigious American university situated in the heart of the village, is regarded as a real artistic hub!
Lacoste is also famous for its château, once the property of the Marquis de Sade, and for its famous stone quarries, which are now a prestigious venue for high-profile events.

The post L’Echo de Bel-Air n°45 appeared first on Les Gites de Bel-Air.